Recently, there has been new attention placed on the decades old disappearance of Kathleen Durst who disappeared in 1982. At the time of her disappearance, there was speculation and suspicion surrounding her husband Robert Durst who was from a prominent New York family. No one has heard from Kathleen Durst in decades, yet she was still considered a missing person until recently. Earlier this year, the First Department issued a decision finding the date of Kathleen Durst’s disappearance was the most probable date of her death. Finally determining that Kathleen Durst was dead, and identifying her date of death may have implications in contemplated and pending proceedings by her family.

According to FBI statistics, 750,000 people are reported missing each year in the United States. USA Today, “By The Numbers:  Missing Person in the USA.” Some of these disappearances are linked to mass fatalities or national disasters, while others may be associated with possible foul play. Regardless of the reason, when an individual disappears and their death cannot be confirmed, the family usually needs a death certificate or something similarly to file insurance claims, settle accounts or receive other benefits.